Two years after the last international choir festival in Wernigerode, choirs from around the globe will once again gather in the "colorful city in the Harz Mountains" in July 2025 to enchant locals and visitors alike with their voices and cultural diversity.

On March 28, 2025, long-time partners INTERKULTUR and the City of Wernigerode officially renewed their collaboration for the acclaimed International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition. Wernigerode's Mayor Tobias Kascha, Artistic Director Peter Habermann, and INTERKULTUR’s Honorary Artistic President Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß met at Wernigerode Town Hall to sign the cooperation agreement. Once again, Steffen Meinecke, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Wernigerode, confirmed the utility company’s support as the festival’s main sponsor.

“I’m delighted about today’s signing, which marks the start of this beloved choir festival in Wernigerode,” said Mayor Tobias Kascha. “Thanks to the commitment of trusted partners like Stadtwerke Wernigerode as our main sponsor—and many others contributing to its success—this fantastic event can take place in our city. I’m already grateful to everyone who will support the festival this year.”

Now in its 13th edition, the festival is one of INTERKULTUR’s most established events. From July 2–6, 2025, a total of 22 choirs from 11 countries will showcase a wide variety of international choral styles. Participating ensembles will come from countries including Bulgaria, Costa Rica, China, Lithuania, and Indonesia.

A special highlight this year: the charity concert will be held for the first time at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiserpfalz Goslar—an addition that excites Artistic Director Peter Habermann in particular:

"Alongside the now well-established Konzerthaus Liebfrauen as a competition and concert venue, this will be another festival highlight. Bringing the message of international understanding through choral music from Wernigerode to such a prestigious venue as the Kaiserpfalz in Goslar is truly meaningful. My heartfelt thanks go to Ingolf Fölsch of the Oskar Kämmer School, who made this possible. At the same time, we can look forward to many cherished traditions: the gala concert at Konzerthaus Liebfrauen, numerous performances by international choirs on the market square—and, of course, our wonderful Wernigerode audience, as well as visitors from near and far.”

The grand final competition for the best choirs will take place for the first time in the outstanding acoustics of the Konzerthaus, followed by the award ceremony in front of the Town Hall—two unforgettable highlights for choir lovers and festival audiences alike.

More information is available here.